"One of my most significant frustrations to read time and again is the mistaken myth that student-athletes are not good students. The federal government confirmed something we've known for a long time - that student-athletes are good students. There really is no excuse for getting this wrong."

- NCAA president Myles Brand after the latest federal graduation rates showed student-athletes frequently graduate at better rates than the general student body.

There was new developments at the Creek last week but none more momentous than the capture of the conference's first national title of the 2006-07 season when the Stanford women's cross country team took their third NCAA crown in four years.

Meanwhile at NCAA HQ, the latest federal graduation rates were released, showing that student-athletes frequently graduate and better rates than the general student body and female athletes [71%] graduate at a higher rate than men [56%].

UCLA

The Bruins defeated Arizona State, 24-12, to improve to 6-5 overall and 4-4 in conference play. Junior safety Chris Horton was named as the conference's defensive player of the week.

In men's hoop, fifth-ranked UCLA defeated Chaminade and Kentucky to remain undefeated at 5-0 overall with a 7 RPI.

In women's hoop, the 21st-ranked Bruins beat UC-Riverside but lost to Oklahoma to fall to 2-2 overall with a 52 RPI.

In women's soccer, UCLA defeated Florida and will face defending champion Portland in the NCAA quarterfinals.

USC

The 3rd-ranked Trojans defeated California, 23-9, to improve to 9-1 overall and 7-1 in conference play.

In men's hoop, USC lost to South Carolina but defeated St. Mary's and The Citadel to move to 2-1 overall with a 197 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Women of Troy lost to South Dakota State and Ohio State to remain winless at 0-2 with a 102 RPI.

WSU

The Cougars lost to Washington, 35-32, to drop to 6-6 and 4-5 in conference play.

In men's hoop, Wazzu remained undefeated with wins over Texas-San Antonio and Idaho State to move to 5-0 overall with a 98 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Cougars defeated Sacramento State to improve to 1-2 overall with a 285 RPI.

Oregon

The Ducks lost to Arizona, 37-10, to drop to 7-4 overall and 4-4 in conference play.

In men's hoop, Oregon defeated UC-Irvine and Rice to remain undefeated at 5-0 overall with a 12 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Ducks beat UC-Santa Barbara and Long Beach State to improve to 2-0 overall with a 149 RPI.

Arizona State

The Sun Devils lost to UCLA, 24-12, to fall to 6-5 overall and 3-5 in conference play.

In men's hoop, Arizona State lost to Portland State and defeated San Jose State, to move to 2-2 overall with a 312 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Sun Devils lost to Tennessee to drop to 4-1 overall with a 45 RPI.

Arizona

The Wildcats defeated Oregon, 37-10, to improve to 6-5 overall and 4-4 in conference play. Junior running back Chris Henry and senior kicker Nick Folk were named as the conference's offensive and special teams players of the week, respectively.

In men's hoop, Arizona defeated New Mexico State to improve to 2-1 overall with a 73 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Wildcats lost to George Washington and Maryland but beat TCU to move to 2-2 overall with a 188 RPI.

Washington

Washington defeated WSU, 35-32, to finish their season at 5-7 overall and 3-6 in conference play. Quarterback Johnny DuRocher was diagnosed with a brain tumor and his football career is expected to end.

In men's hoop, the Huskies defeated Sacramento State to remain undefeated at 4-0 overall with a 75 RPI.

In women's hoop, Washington beat Eastern Washington to improve to 1-2 overall with a 140 RPI.

Stanford

The Cardinal lost to Oregon State, 30-7, to drop to 1-10 overall and 1-7 in conference play.

In men's hoop, Stanford defeated Northwestern to improve to 3-1 overall with a 177 RPI.

In women's hoop, Stanford defeated Missouri to improve to 2-1 overall with a 183 RPI.

Oregon State

The Beavers defeated Stanford, 30-7, to move to 7-4 overall and 5-3 in conference play.

In men's hoop, the Beavers lost to Hawai'i to fall to 2-3 overall with a 143 RPI. Junior forward Sasa Cuic has been suspended indefinitely and freshman guard Lathen Wallace will be redshirted.

In women's hoop, Oregon State defeated Montana State to improve to 2-1 overall with a 162 RPI.

California

The 19th-ranked Bears lost to USC, 23-9, to drop to 8-3 overall and 6-2 in conference play.

In men's hoop, California defeated Santa Clara to improve to 2-1 overall with a 22 RPI.

In women's hoop, the Bears beat Pepperdine to remain undefeated at 3-0 overall with a 7 RPI. Sophomore forward Ashley Walker was named as the conference's player of the week.

+++++++sponsored by Clark's Restaurant+++++++++

Attention COUGAR Fans! Autumn is here, now you're hungry. How can you afford to go one day further without some tasty morsels from Clark's Restaurant in Grays Harbor - home of the Best Hamburger in Twin Harbors for seven consecutive years. Come in for the burger, fresh homemade fries and milkshakes concocted from homemade ice cream. Go ahead, we dare you to try and pass up more than 12 varieties of hamburgers to choose from, full dinners, lunch and full breakfast served daily. Clark's Restaurant 360.538.1487. Seven miles south of Aberdeen, Washington on Highway 101. Proud supporter of CougZone. Mention this ad for a free small hot chocolate.